Tyler Perry and attorney Ben Crump announce lawsuit against former Sheriff’s Deputy in two missing persons case

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Attorney Ben Crump, filmmaker Tyler Perry, and other civil rights leaders have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a former Florida Sheriff’s Deputy in the case of two men who went missing nearly 15 years ago.

Felipe Santos and Terrance Williams went missing in October 2003 and January 2004, respectively. They were last seen in the custody of Collier County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Steven Calkins. The deputy was fired during an internal investigation after he was uncooperative and gave conflicting statements. He is considered a person of interest in the men’s disappearances.

Ben Crump, the attorney representing Williams’ estate and family, announced the lawsuit in a news conference Tuesday, accompanied by actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry and Williams’ mother, Marcia.

Perry said he is doubling the reward in the missing men’s cases to $200,000.

Felipe Santos

Terence Williams

Crump said he hopes evidence presented in the civil lawsuit can lead to a criminal case against the former deputy. Crump said he would also represent the Santos family if they wish to participate in the lawsuit.

The suit claims Calkins was on-duty when he pulled Williams over at a mausoleum, put him in the back of his cruiser, and later had the Williams’ Cadillac towed, all without ever entering or radioing information about the stop.

Neither of the men’s bodies has been found. However, Florida statutes state a person is presumed dead if they have not been home for at least five years and their absence can’t be explained by an investigation.

The suit, filed on behalf of Williams mother, Marcia Williams, and his four offspring, seeks unspecified damages greater than $15,000 for “loss of prospective net accumulations,” “extreme mental pain and suffering,” and other grievances.

“These two people, black, white, Mexican — doesn’t matter — would be put in the back of a sheriff’s department’s car — someone we are suppose to trust — put in the car and then they disappear and haven’t been seen in 14 years,” Perry said. “No matter who you are, being poor or rich, this has got to bother you.”

Photo Credit: Wink News